Multi-county sex trafficking ring taken down in Central New York
SYRACUSE – Three members of a sex trafficking ring that operated in Syracuse, Watertown, Ithaca and elsewhere in New York State were arrested following an investigaqtion. Investigators allege that Eric Oliver, age 30, of Syracuse, was the leader of the ring, and was assisted by Tirra Pate, age 19, of Syracuse and Jessica Moro, age 19, of Cicero, New York. Together, these individuals preyed on women as young as 15 years old, recruiting them to work as prostitutes; and in certain instances intimidating them with the use of physical force to compel them to commit acts of prostitution; and, in other instances, providing cocaine, heroin and the drug MDMA (known as “molly”) to the prostitutes in order for them to continue working.
“There are few crimes as heinous as forcing women into prostitution and transporting them against their will. Unfortunately, this case is emblematic of the horrors of human trafficking, which is an issue of international importance. We must redouble our efforts to protect people forced into a horrible life from which they feel they can’t escape,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “I commend our Organized Crime Task Force, the State Police, and local law enforcement for their diligent work and critical support in bringing these criminals to justice.”
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said, "This modern-day type of slavery will not be tolerated in New York State. With these arrests, a sex-trafficking ring has been dismantled, and victims, some as young as 15 years old, have been freed from a forced lifestyle. While human trafficking can be a difficult crime to detect, public awareness and the continued hard work of law enforcement and agencies like the New York Attorney General's Office and the Organized Crime Task Force will continue to bring these groups to justice."
The sex trafficking ring was so brazen that Oliver made phone calls directing its operation from jail even though he was warned that the calls could be recorded. Oliver called Moro and Pate from the Watertown and Ithaca jails during the past year to direct them to transport prostitutes to various locations. He also phoned Moro from jail with instructions to provide drugs to a prostitute to get her to work.
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